Labeled the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul', Mary J. Blige strikes a pose for the cover of LA Confidential magazine. Singer, actress, and wife Mary graced the new cover, and was interviewed by Kevin Sessums. Mary J. Blige touched on many topics from channeling Betty Shabazz in 'Betty & Coretta', religion, music and numerous other topics. Read a few excerpts from Mary's candid interview, full interview here.
KS: Your voice—your music—could be looked upon as healing “the quiet” that was inflicted upon that 5-year-old little girl. MJB: You know what else is weird? In my life—when I don’t have to work—I am quiet. That’s how I live. I’m by myself and I remain really quiet either reading or watching an old movie. I don’t really like too much noise around me.
KS: Well, there’s nothing noisier than a Grammy Awards show. What was winning your first Grammy in 1995 for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group like? Were you still using? MJB: Back then? Shoot. When I got that Grammy I was high. Not at the Grammys I don’t think. But I was drinking like a crazy person. Still sniffing cocaine going in.
KS: Was winning your seventh and eighth Grammy more of a thrill than winning your first one? You were certainly cleaner. MJB: Yeah, winning that one in 2007 was for a gospel duet named “Never Gonna Break My Faith” with Aretha Franklin. I mean, wow. Just to go up on that stage for that, I know it was God.
